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From Fight Or Flight To Freak And Fry An Argument For Ptsd As The Pathological Expression Of Hpa & A

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I have run across other material in the PTSD literature suggesting that overproduction and/or over-long production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a principle factor in the excitotoxicty of dendritic receptor sites in the limbic system of PTSD sufferers. I am utilizing this state-of-the-art-in-2005 description of what was known at that time about the functions of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as a platform to introduce what I have learned elsewhere about excitotoxity. The purpose is to provide an explanation of the micro-neurobiology of PTSD as I have been able to see it in the behavior and computer-adied tomography of PTSD sufferers. I would like to invite any and all who have superior grasp of the topic to weigh in with comments, factual corrections, etc.

I am indebted to Dr. Molina and to Lippincott, Williams and Williams for making the original article available for this usage. You may see the article and commentary by contacting me through the forum.
 
I believe something happened to me at the brain level during an extreme PTSD episode.

My counselor mentioned this for the first time last week and I agreed with him. I lost 30 pounds in 3.5 months, and did not realize weight loss was occurring. Also due to the intense pain felt in my mind and heart I engaged in self injury as a way to purge my body from all the pain.

I had a feeling of loss of control, bothered by 1000 thoughts daily and could not sleep. I was placed on ativan and lexapro plus psychotherapy twice a week. I want to know what happens at the brain level. I wished during this time, that there was a method to identify by MRI the hot spot of memories so that this area could be treated by laser. To be removed permanently so that a normal life and relationships could be enjoyed.
 
I have run across other material in the PTSD literature suggesting that overproduction and/or over-long production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a principle factor in the excitotoxicty of dendritic receptor sites in the limbic system of PTSD sufferers. I am utilizing this state-of-the-art-in-2005 description of what was known at that time about the functions of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as a platform to introduce what I have learned elsewhere about excitotoxity. The purpose is to provide an explanation of the micro-neurobiology of PTSD as I have been able to see it in the behavior and computer-adied tomography of PTSD sufferers.

Hi Rodger,

Would you please break this part of your post down into simpler terms? Definitions of "cytokines", "dendritic receptor site" and "excitotoxity" would be extremely helpful. There are many of us that have a very rudimentary understanding of neurological of aspects of PTSD, so please break it down some.

Thank you.
 
Is this an increase in the cortisol level during stress which in PTSD we suffer from. Cytokines are released during inflammatory process. Receptors & synapses are involved when nerves communicate with another. I believe that through yoga or relaxation these cortisol levels decrease and reverses the inflammatory processes in the body.
 
Ok, yoga, meditation everything. Been doing them all my life.

I still have symptom flare ups when triggered, where the rages, nightmares, no sleep all come back.

OK, I'll do some yoga next time I'm on a 9 night no sleep.

I was trained in science, biochemistry, etc. I understand the stress reaction. Yes, everything you say will help...but when triggers abound, PTSD rears it's head and nothing, but medication, for me, has helped.

Thanks.....
 
What medication works well for you to sleep through the night . I am trying many combinations. Sometimes they work sometimes not. I tried 15mg melatonin, seemed to be working until a big trigger got me out of sync. Now back on 12.5mg ambien and 5o benadryl.

<Basic grammar edited by CB>
 
My GP has refused me sleeping meds but has prescribed Amitriptyline 10mg which helps to prolong your sleep & eventually re-set your sleep pattern. It also mean you get no-dream sleep but doesn't block out the really bad nightmares. If you take it every night the side effect of feeling off balance the following morning wear off after a few weeks.
Its good for pain relief too, i was recently prescribed 10mg 3 times a day, all I did was sleep, bliss!!:)
 
I have always been a light sleeper as a child-staying in the house made me afraid. I thought something worse would happen if I fell asleep. It was like training yourself to stay awake. but anyways I appreciate the mention of Elavil and will keep that in mind. I did not know it would be ordered 3 times a day. This site is very helpful.

"Cat"-do you have nightmares? Not knowing what your trauma was, I am wondering if you are fearful of "touch"from another individual? I am (especially from men-and don't know how to help myself in this area)I really have a hard time being in the same vicinity and tend to shy away & not even look at men.

I don't wish to be alone (I recently divorced my ex-who abused alcohol & drugs & drove the family to bankruptcy)
 
I don't wish to be alone (I recently divorced my ex-who abused alcohol & drugs & drove the family to bankruptcy)

Hi blackhole, you got it in one!

I divorced my ex following years of emotional abuse which ended in physical abuse. How long ago did you divorce? mine was 4 yrs ago & I dont like being alone either but i know I am not emotionally stable enough for a relationship, maybe in the future who knows but for now I'm just concentrating getting to know myself again. You say you've recently divorce, try to give yourself time to recover, aside from the abuse you have suffered, divorce is a horrible process to go through, with lots of changes going on that you probably don't want, moving house, living alone etc.

Since it happened touch has been very difficult for me even that of my children which of course they found very upsetting. Through therapy & the birth of my granddaughter I have been able to overcome that barrier & feel more comfortable about touch although, i am aware that whoever approaches me I instantly hold their arms. I find this both embarrassing & reassuring, I don't want to put people off but have come to understand its just my way of keeping myself safe.

In therapy my psychologist encouraged me to start with purposeful touch like having a foot massage, then my hands, head, neck. My biggest problem was someone touching my back, putting an arm around me or showing me any physical sign of comfort, I was always waiting for my ex to attack me & transferred this fear to include all adults but mostly men. I still have a problem with men & never go into situations where i might be alone with one, so male drs, dentist, coming to my home (i live alone) or situations where a man would be standing behind me esp in queues & on public transport. Although I am better at being in these situations I still have that kick of anxiety & horrible creepy feeling in my back & had hoped that with time it would go but discussed it with my psych recently & she reassured me that it was ok, again its just my body keeping me safe, I'm feeling happier about it now & don't keep beating myself up about it, just accept it for what it is.

I do still have some nightmares but they are not so intense as they were. I've 21/2yrs of psychotherapy with a trauma specialist, we used a mixture of EMDR & talking therapies which allowed me to explore my traumas & nightmares. They mostly happen now when i am triggered during the day & dont talk about how Im feeling.

I hope that's a help to you, feel free to PM me if you'd like to.

PS sorry if i've just hijacked the thread with this post but thought it important to reply.
 
I have run across other material in the PTSD literature suggesting that overproduction and/or over-long production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a principle factor in the excitotoxicty of dendritic receptor sites in the limbic system of PTSD sufferers. I am utilizing this state-of-the-art-in-2005 description of what was known at that time about the functions of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as a platform to introduce what I have learned elsewhere about excitotoxity. The purpose is to provide an explanation of the micro-neurobiology of PTSD as I have been able to see it in the behavior and computer-adied tomography of PTSD sufferers. I would like to invite any and all who have superior grasp of the topic to weigh in with comments, factual corrections, etc.

I am indebted to Dr. Molina and to Lippincott, Williams and Williams for making the original article available for this usage. You may see the article and commentary by contacting me through the forum.

Having a little brainfog problem with a big fatigue flareup, but this chimes in with what I remember reading about my other chronic condition - Fibromyalgia Syndrome (known as FMS). I also know some clinicians believe FMS is a progression of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME. I did have that diagnosis, & then a few years remission before the FMS hit.

I also had a 2 year remission from the FMS, during which I ignored all I had learned about rest, pacing & self care, to trash myself caring for elderly parents in extraordinarily stressful circumstances (dementia, family disharmony, being far from home, multiple emergencies - then Mum's death).

Afterwards, I expected rest & care to heal me, although I knew I was dealing with a nasty FMS relapse.
Instead, I got much worse - cardiac & other symptoms severe enough for others to call an ambulance, twice. Eventually, the PTSD diagnosis.

I believe all these syndromes involve dysfunction of the HPA axis & the SNS, & you are definitely onto something significant. I wish I could claim a superior grasp of the topic.

I firmly believe that when we finally have a coherent explanation of these conditions, it will involve neurological based stress maladaptions, compromised immune function, & probably also some opportunistic aggravating infectious agents like stealth viruses (see the work of Dr Garth Nicholson).

Good luck, & thanks
 
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